It will be a while before people become accustomed to seeing a larger, less-quirky looking smart on the streets but with time it should be quite popular. After all, the company's expecting to sell 50,000 of these hatches in Europe this year and a fair deal more when introduced into North America alongside the upcoming formore quasi-SUV in 2005.
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| Rumor has it that Mercedes-Benz tuner Brabus is working on a performance-oriented version of the forfour; talk about a wild ride. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada) |
By the way, word has it that Brabus, the famed tuner that normally adds their magic to Mercedes-Benz cars and light trucks will be introducing a 180 horsepower turbocharged version of the car sometime in the near future. What will they call it? How about the forfun or forspeed?
smarts have long benefited from expressive exterior styling, with the forfour continuing this theme. The car's cheerful looking front end design, featuring two pairs of offset ovoid headlamps mimicking those on the fortwo, plus softer, rounder curves, should prove to be a boost to its drivers' group individuality. A thin, up-turned grille and a chunky lower valance promote the cute look. The forfour is not a monobox like the majority of the competition it faces, but rather has a well-defined nose, cabin and tail. Flared fenders as well as ventilation slats on the hood also give the car a sportier look.
In the end the upcoming forfour is destined to carry the unorthodox brand's message to more and more prospective customers, while offering a larger option for current smart owners looking to grow their vehicle in relation to their growing family. It should be a winner if priced to compete with the many alternative subcompact hatchbacks on the European market, and should do fairly well in North America where it has much less competition.
Specifications:
- Price Range (MSRP): N/A
- Body Type: 5-door hatchback
- Layout: front engine, FWD
- Engine: 108 hp, 105 lb-ft, 1.5-L, DOHC, 16-valve I-4
- Transmission: 5-spd man (opt 4-spd auto)
- Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS and EBD
- Curb Weight: N/A
- Seating Capacity: 4
- Fuel Economy (city/hwy): N/A
- Warranty (mo/km): N/A
- Direct Competitors: Chevrolet Aveo, Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio, Suzuki Swift, Toyota Echo Hatchback
- Web Site: www.thesmart.ca
Note: Additional larger photos available in photo album.
